Thread: Large Scale Blueprints

I usually use giant graph paper (25x30) for the original to scale sketches of projects, and up until now use that to show to clients if they even ask to see the actual plans. I know some people use standard size sheets and print it off the computer but for this project it stretches from front to back of house and has a lot of detail, so that won't work.

I really haven't put much thought doing something a little more "professional" like real blueprints before now because most of my designs I can fit on smaller paper or are fairly basic so it isn't needed. I have a new client who is definitely going to want to see designs and I want it to look as good as possible, with a lot of detail

Question is I have been reading up on how to get them copied, and I can't find any info on the internet if a local print shop would have this stuff, or where to go to get it done. I read you need a "Blueline machine" to copy the original, or a large format printer but that only does black/white.

I just can't figure out if a local shop would have this type of equipment, or I need to send it somewhere or what. Most of their websites are pretty basic and are lacking this detail.

I assume by blueline machine you mean a diazo machine? Are you currently drawing on vellum? If not, that's what you'll need to do to get it blueprinted. Only a reprographics shop is likely to have one, and these days those are getting harder to find.

If you just want a bond paper drawing copied onto bond paper, Kinkos can do that all day long. It's even self serve at most of them. You may, however, find it cheaper at a blueprint shop. The one near my office will scan a drawing, reprint it, and email an archive copy to me in both PDF and TIFF format for less than what Kinkos charges just to copy.

I assume by blueline machine you mean a diazo machine? Are you currently drawing on vellum? If not, that's what you'll need to do to get it blueprinted. Only a reprographics shop is likely to have one, and these days those are getting harder to find.

If you just want a bond paper drawing copied onto bond paper, Kinkos can do that all day long. It's even self serve at most of them. You may, however, find it cheaper at a blueprint shop. The one near my office will scan a drawing, reprint it, and email an archive copy to me in both PDF and TIFF format for less than what Kinkos charges just to copy.

Yeah my father used to be in the printing business and they are a dying breed with all the computer tech out there now. That is one of the reasons I was wondering what method other people did to get theirs done these days. And yes a diazo machine was what I was referring to.

Guess I'm just gonna have to call a bunch of them tomorrow and see what they can offer or something, hope there is something close in my area.

I do like the feel of the blueline paper. Honestly, if you're that hardcore into it you could always look on eBay and probably grab a setup for not a lot of money. I feel like I know three architects or designers here locally who have diazo machines sitting in a closet gathering dust.

Lmao DVS! I was in arch school in 91 sry that was funny.... I have nothing productive to add to this thread were in our last week of the seaaon and I went out tonite happy thanksgiving allPosted via Mobile Device

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